Yhwach sat on his throne, already expecting the two to walk through the doors to his new kingdom, they had a few dozen steps to go. He after all had seen it, with the power of the Almighty. Truly a powerful tool for one such as himself. He knew how it was all going to end, the moment he had awoken from his pleasant nightmare as he would like to refer to it as. Yes, a nightmare of the future that Haschwalth had envisioned upon his use of the Almighty. Ichigo Kurosaki would defeat him, no matter what transpired, there was no doubting the power of the Almighty, his defeat at the hands of the young Shinigami would come about, there had yet to be an alternative that he had found.
No matter the course of time, no matter which way the wind blew the sands of fate, it would all come down to Ichigo Kurosaki cutting him down. Whether Yhwach manipulated the direction the sands blew for it to happen decades from now, or simply let the young warrior end him within mere moments of their confrontation. The result would always be the same, the Almighty had shown him this. Even now he searched for a possible future where his downfall did not come to pass, but at every turn each possible future he saw, it was the same outcome. His demise at the hands of Ichigo Kurosaki.
The many eyes that covered the cloak of darkness that he wore darted about, looking on, each searching for a possible outcome that would be in Yhwach's favor, a chance for total victory. His many eyes scanned the future as the one who would end him approached ever closer. All the eyes came to a stop as Yhwach's mouth formed a large grin as a single speck of the future stood bright and shining before him. A future where victory was assured. One that was only achievable with the true power of the Soul King which he now possessed. He stopped himself from laughing, he needed to prepare for what was to come in that particular future to take place. The eyes within the darkness closed as the doors to the throne room opened.
Kurosaki Ichigo stood before him, Inoue Orihime by the young Shinigami's side. A grin formed on the Quincy Emperor's face at the swirling tide of reiatsu surrounding Ichigo and Orihime both, Ichigo was already protecting Orihime with his enormous reiatsu that was far stronger than the last time they had confronted one another, it was leagues above what he had first witnessed from the young man. He could now begin to see how this boy had so many possible futures that ended in victory and only a single in defeat.
"Welcome..." Yhwach began, his voice showing slight humor in his tone. "What took you so long?" The Emperor questioned. "I've been patiently waiting for your arrival… my child of Darkness." Neither of the teens responded to Yhwach's greeting as they walked into the throne room, the large doors remained open behind them. "Feel free to draw your blade… you've left yourself full of openings… is what I'd like to say. But it appears as though, that would be far from the truth. In fact, so much reiatsu is overflowing from your body that it has begun to take visible form. You've grown stronger… or rather… you've attained your true original power." Yhwach smirked as he spoke. "Now how will you greet me? Will you say hello from the right? Or the left? I'm anxious to see what you're capable of."
"What are you babbling about." Ichigo responded, annoyance clear in his voice causing Yhwach's grin to widen. "You can see it can't you? Exactly how, when, and where I'm going to try and attack you."
"I am not using my power." Yhwach told him truthfully, that the Almighty was not active currently, the eyes that had covered him all closed. "For such a long-awaited reunion between Father and Son, I'd be remiss not to savor every juicy moment." He explained to Ichigo.
"You're not my Father." Ichigo responded.
"Ah yes, Kurosaki Isshin… he was merely a surrogate father to you. You should have heard by now, about the true source of your power." Ichigo's eyes narrowed somewhat as he glared at Yhwach.
"Yeah I heard, and what of it? Don't you dare say you're my parent when you're the one who killed my parent!" The teen roared as Yhwach's grin widened, the ever naivety of a child who couldn't remain calm.
"Is this about your mother?" He questioned with a light laugh causing Ichigo to grit his teeth, such a topic had always been a very sensitive area with the young warrior. "Surely you are more of a man than that Ichigo!" He roared in laughter, he didn't even need the Almighty to see what was going to happen next. Ichigo drew his large Zanpakuto from his back and charged forward with incredible speed and force behind him, Orihime having to shield herself from the force of the impact as Ichigo reared Zangetsu's large blade back. Yhwach grinned a manic grin as Ichigo recklessly charged forward, blindly as he was always prone to do in anger without the sense of rational thought, he was still young and naive. His victory would have been assured had he not been so hot-headed.
Ichigo had learned from many of his past mistakes in his time as a Shinigami, but there were still some lessons he had yet to learn for himself. This is what would lead to Yhwach's victory, this boy's naivety of the truth of his power. He would one day learn, perhaps it would even be this moment that taught him, how he shouldn't be reckless in facing the unknown, how he should never hold his power back in facing an enemy and go all out from the very start. To think Aizen had taught him that lesson, had he forgotten it already?
"Getsuga Tenshō!" Ichigo's roar echoed out from the darkness as the blue crescent wave of raw spiritual power collided with a wave of darkness. Ichigo scowled as both blue and darkness swirled around one another, pressing against the other for superiority before his Getsuga was overwhelmed by the sheer force of Yhwach's power, a Santen Kesshun shield was erected before Ichigo as tendrils of darkness struck the shield, intent on impaling Ichigo but the golden shield held strong. Ichigo skidded back along the ground as more tendrils of darkness headed toward him around the shield, Ichigo slicing through multiple tendrils as Orihime's shield protected his back as tendrils of darkness circled him. Drawing his second Blade Ichigo sliced through the remaining dark tendrils and headed straight for Yhwach, seated upon his throne.
"Goodbye, my son, born in the darkness." Yhwach's began as Ichigo charged forward with both his Zanpakuto drawn, the Quincy Emperor drew upon the power that he had absorbed from the Soul King, every ounce of his power he could muster from the very depths of his soul, to will this boy from this very existence of reality. The entire throne room erupted into darkness, the cry of Orihime caught Ichigo's attention, causing him to look back, before changing course to head for Orihime only causing Yhwach to laugh as the darkness swirled around them both like a vortex. This was his victory!
"Be gone from this reality!" Yhwach bellowed into the forming abyss of darkness. "Forever be lost in the realms of your despair!" He laughed before catching sight of an orange glow amidst the darkness, it was coming from the Santen Kesshun shield that Orihime had put up to protect herself and Ichigo from the swirling darkness. Yhwach cast his arm out, causing the darkness to head straight for the shield intent on eradicating it as it was swallowed up by the shadow. Ichigo met the darkness waves with an empowered Getsuga Tenshō filling the abyss of darkness that Yhwach had created with blue light.
"Orihime." Ichigo breathed out softly causing the auburn-haired teen to look up at the one she cared so deeply for. He had his back to her, as he usually did in his battles, never taking his eyes off the opponent that stood before him. "My next attack, it'll destroy the palace." He explained surprising her as he tilted his head, looking over his shoulder with that same look in his eye that he had when he was concerned about her. She smiled softly up at him, remembering that he wanted her here, she wasn't a liability to him in this fight, she finally had the chance to fight alongside him instead of always being protected. That look in his eyes was just his unspoken caring nature for all his friends.
"I'll be ok." She assured him, not wanting him to worry about her when he had something far more important to do. Ichigo turned back to Yhwach through the swirl of the abyss that seemed to be growing denser and denser as time went by, Yhwach's control of this power was incredible. He had to bring this to an end fast.
"Just, wrap your arms around me." Orihime's eyes widened. "My reiatsu will protect you from the blast and I don't want to get you caught up in the destruction." Orihime nodded as she moved the few steps towards Ichigo, her arms hesitantly reaching out her face growing pink before she shook her head, now was not the time to think about it. Their lives were in danger. Wrapping her arms around him, holding him in tightly she felt the familiar feeling of his reiatsu wash over her, she was completely ensnared by the power of Ichigo's soul. Even in the situation that she was in, she couldn't help but love the feeling of his warmth.
"Finished chatting?" Yhwach spoke as he rose from his throne, the power growing even more intense as Ichigo scowled, readying to launch himself towards Yhwach. "This is the end, Ichigo. Truly… you were a formidable enemy, for you were the reason that pushed me to this." Ichigo ignored what Yhwach said and flew towards the Emperor, the darkness swirled around him, but he continued to head straight for Yhwach. The power he wielded now was all for the sake of defeating Yhwach, to protecting everyone close to him in the Soul Society, the World of the Living, and even Hueco Mundo. No matter what consequences he suffered after it was all done, if he had to remain in Soul Society, if he had to give up his powers once more, he'd do it all to protect everyone close to him. But, he'd deal with all that when the time came, now he had just to put a stop to Yhwach and end this war.
"Getsuga!" The small black blade of Zangetsu sliced the air before him, leaving a strip of blue spirit energy in a horizontal line in the air as Ichigo rose his larger Zangetsu blade up above his head, swirling with tremendous power. All in that single moment before he swung his larger Zanpakuto, he could see Yhwach through the darkness, a large grin on the man's face that unnerved the teen. Orihime's arms were held tightly around him, one firmly around his waist the other coming up to grip his shoulder, she clung to him as he had instructed. He was putting every ounce of his power into this, he needed Orihime to be safe.
"Jūjishō!" Darkness completely consumed both Ichigo and Orihime, as their world delved into complete darkness they could hear the victorious laugh of Yhwach echoing around them before it stopped and the darkness was completely eradicated. Ichigo's Getsuga Jūjishō was swallowed up by the darkness just as the two teens had been, the attack now wasn't aimed at the Emperor of the Quincy, but instead at the empty night sky far above the two.
Both Ichigo and Orihime were completely stunned by the sudden change in location after being swarmed in the abyss created by Yhwach. Now there was nothing, no powerful reiatsu apart from Ichigo's was present. Yhwach's presence had completely disappeared, they couldn't even feel the battles going on below the Soul King's palace… no it wasn't that the battles had stopped or that Yhwach had disappeared, it was they who had been relocated.
The Getsuga Jūjishō erupted in the night sky emitting a more powerful light than the moon, a massive cross explosion erupted all across the night sky spreading far and wide. A powerful shockwave washed over Ichigo and Orihime from the explosion causing Orihime to lose her grip on Ichigo and was sent flying from him across the sky and downwards to the island below, however, the two were still in the increasing explosive force of Ichigo's Getsuga Jūjishō, making it dangerous.
"ICHIGO!" Orihime's scream echoed across the sky as Ichigo angled himself towards her, condensing spirit particles at his feet and pressing off the air, shooting forth towards the falling girl with incredible speed. Sheathing his Zanpakuto blades before he reached her, he caught Orihime, arms wrapping around her frame causing the two to spin wildly across the air all the while the explosion of the Getsuga Jūjishō still ongoing high above.
Ichigo forced their spinning to stop as he began lowering them both slowly to the island below, from the light above them it looked to be a small jungle-covered island but it was hard to make it out in the darkness. Utilizing spirit particles to keep them both steady, Orihime rose her hands up under Ichigo's arms as she looked over his shoulder, his arms tightening around her so that she wouldn't fall again. She could see the attack Ichigo had created, to think that such a destructive power had been aimed at a single person by the one she loved. It was difficult for her to concentrate under the strain of the enormous reiatsu from the attack even with Ichigo's reiatsu protecting her. Orihime's hair pins became alive, three of her fairies shooting forth as her Santen Kesshun came to life blocking the force pressing against them.
"Are you okay, Orihime?" Ichigo questioned softly, his arms wrapped around her, Orihime's body began to tremble slightly in his arms.
"I'm sorry." Orihime apologized, burying her head into his chest as she wrapped her arms around him, clutching at the back of his shihakushō. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." She repeated over and over again as Ichigo held her tightly. "You needed my help, and I couldn't do anything." She sobbed. "I was happy, I finally had the chance to fight beside you, to finally be able to protect you!" Orihime's cries were mixed in with the roar of the Getsuga Jūjishō as Ichigo held her close as she cried. With Orihime crying in his arms, Ichigo reflected on Yhwach's words that he had thought were simple mindless ramblings.
"Goodbye, my son, born in the darkness."
"Be gone from this reality!"
"Forever be lost in the realms of your despair!"
Ichigo's arms wrapped tighter around the crying girl in his arms, holding her close to comfort her, but to also stop her from seeing his grief-stricken face, he couldn't let her see him like this, she needed him to be strong in this new ordeal. He now realized what Yhwach meant by those words, what he had done to bring them to this place. Ichigo was no fool, Yhwach had taken the Soul King's powers, a power capable of anything. This place wasn't their home, it didn't feel the same as the World of the Living, Soul Society or Hueco Mundo. No Yhwach had sent them somewhere else, with the power of the Soul King, he had ripped open the dimensions and cast them aside like trash. Had he ever had a chance of defeating Yhwach? Was it even possible?
The power of the Getsuga Jūjishō began to disperse, the pressure of the immense reiatsu lessening as the attack finally vanished leaving the star-filled night sky behind, Orihime's Santen Kesshun disappearing, any clouds that had been nearby completely blown away by the force of the attack. Orihime had calmed down somewhat, however, she still clung to Ichigo as he began to lower them both to the ground.
When they did land, Ichigo looked around the dense foliage of the jungle with a frown on his face as he tried to sense any kind of spiritual presence but it was pointless to think Yhwach had just sent them back to the World of the Living. They were far from home and Ichigo had no idea how to even return let alone if it was even possible without the power of a God-like being such as the Soul King. It was probably amazing that they were alive at all.
Orihime finally stepped back from Ichigo, wiping her face of the tears as Ichigo continued to look around the area. What was the most confusing to him, was that there was no trace of any kind of spiritual activity, not even a slither of a ghost or a slightly above normal presence. It was beyond concerning but right now, he didn't need to worry about that.
"Ichigo." Orihime began softly causing the teen to look back at her, Orihime looking up at him with a look he hadn't seen on her face in a long time, not since he fought Grimmjow within Las Noches, how she had been so afraid and lost. Those same emotions plus a million more were running through her eyes and he didn't know how to help her through it because he was sure, if he wasn't so good at putting on a facade, he'd look much the same. He had hoped to have never had her look at him like that again. When she had come back from Las Noches, he had promised himself he'd never make her have such doubts again.
"None of this is your fault Orihime." Ichigo told her as she sniffled slightly, wiping her face before more tears threatened to fall. Ichigo honestly didn't know what to do as he watched her try to control her emotions, they were close but he didn't know if she would welcome his comfort, or even what he could be would be anything more than empty. Seeing her shoulders begin to tremble he couldn't stop himself even if he wanted to.
In moments, he crossed the distance between them, her head buried in his chest as his arms enveloped her in a hug like none he had ever given. He could even feel his face heat up in embarrassment at the gesture. He hugged Yuzu like this when she was upset, but this was different from hugging his sister. Orihime was much taller than Yuzu, the smell of her shampoo no matter what she had gone through since her last shower was still present just inches from his nose. Letting the thoughts of embarrassment fade from his mind he spoke.
"I charged in, I should have stayed calm. You had my back each step of the way, you were there for me Orihime, I'd never blame you for this." Orihime nodded her head into his chest, her arms once more wrapping around his frame, hands clutching at the back of his shihakushō, as she tried to say something but she was still trying to stop the tears from falling. Silence erupted between them for a few moments, Orihime having buried her face into his chest simply letting the tears fall as Ichigo held her close. Some time passed before Orihime could bring herself to speak again.
"W-Where are we?" She questioned softly pulling her head back slightly and looking up at him, her eyes slightly puffy and red as he shook his head not knowing where the two had ended up. Ichigo frowned slightly as he looked away, their surroundings revealed nothing about where they might be, glancing up to the sky where they had arrived the attack he had launched was gone from the night only revealing the moon and the stars, there wasn't any indication that there was any kind of opening or portal, and without the power of the Soul King, or some other godly force that was capable of ripping through the very fabric of reality and opening dimensions… they were stuck here unless they could find some way to return home, which if Yhwach had sent them here… there wasn't.
"I couldn't even begin to guess." Ichigo confessed with a frown etched on his face. "Whatever Yhwach did, I can't see a way to reverse it." Her grip tightened on the back of his shihakushō causing him to clench his fists. "We lost." He frowned as he closed his eyes, Orihime staring up at his face before reaching up, cupping his cheek in her hand. Ichigo slowly opened his eyes as he stared down at her.
"We're alive." She whispered softly. "Even if we lost, no matter our circumstances." She took a deep breath. "We have to keep on living." Ichigo nodded softly as he reached up to where her hand was against her cheek, gripping it.
"You're right." He agreed. "There is no giving up." Orihime smiled softly and nodded. "But no matter what, I won't ever stop trying to get us back home." He admitted. "I don't care how long it takes, or what I have to do." He didn't know if it was a false promise, but it was one he would always keep. He would always be searching for a way home, giving up wasn't an option as she had said. With the soft pressure against his chest, Orihime leaned her forehead against him once more making him look back up to the sky. "I'm sorry." He whispered, but Orihime remained quiet.
The gentle wind that breezed over her is what stirred Orihime awake. Her eyes opened slowly as she found herself lying in the grass, a frown coming to her face as she recalled the events of how she ended up here. After arriving on the strange jungle island during the night, Ichigo suggested that they get some sleep and some much-needed rest. Due to her mental exhaustion, Orihime fell asleep rather easily, she didn't know about Ichigo though, having passed out long before he settled. Sitting up, brushing some loose strands of hair from her face she looked around. While she couldn't see Ichigo, his reiatsu was present, while most would see it as overwhelming and intrusive, Orihime was comforted feeling his constant presence.
Orihime did not doubt that Ichigo was putting up a steely front, probably for her own sake. He had promised that he'd never stop searching for a way back, but she knew just as well as he did, how impossible that may be to achieve. Yhwach was essentially a God having taken the Soul King's power for himself. His power to read and distort reality is what had led them here. As sad as it was that this had happened, there was nothing that they could do to fix it. While Ichigo was strong, he didn't have such omnipotent power to alter reality and rip open dimensions. She doubted that they would come across anyone that did. It would be a miracle if they did.
Orihime could only see one way to return, and that was to rely on their friends back home and hope that they find a way. There wasn't much more that she and Ichigo could do under the circumstances. The fact was, they may never return and it's something they both had to come to accept, as difficult as that would be. She was just glad that they weren't alone and had each other through this.
Rising to stand, she brushed down her white skirt, the outfit she had received in Hueco Mundo from Kisuke while revealing she was glad for it as the temperature here on the island was quite warm. She didn't know why Kisuke had asked her to wear such a thing, she didn't think it was just to get a rise out of Ichigo. But regardless it was all she had currently and if she was honest, she did like the design, though she'd never admit it lest someone think she was a pervert. She was worried Ichigo already did think that considering Chad's input on the matter.
Puffing up her cheeks into a pout, once she saw Chad again, she'd have to lecture him a little on tact. He hadn't needed to draw Ichigo's attention to her clothes, did he? It was so embarrassing.
"Shh! She'll hear you!" A hushed whisper caught Orihime's attention. "Of course, I can't go out there! I haven't seen a woman in over twenty years!" There was seemingly some one-sided hushed arguing causing the girl to blink in surprise, curious to know who was hiding in the trees.
Hearing rustling from the direction of the voice she tilted her head curiously at what was coming. What poked its head out of the trees was the cutest thing she'd ever seen. It was a light brown fox... but also a rooster? It had the body of a fox, but on its head was the crown of a rooster along with a red wattle under its chin. Where she would expect to find a bushy fox tail, instead was a crest of feathers. It was the weirdest combination between a fox and a chicken but it was adorable. The creature eyed her for a moment, cautiously approaching before stopping a few feet away, staring at her.
Orihime beamed happily as she slowly crouched, not wanting to scare off the little guy. Raising her hand, she cooed for it to come closer, it hesitantly looked at her before making its approach. The fox-rooster sniffed at her fingers before she curled her hand around, giving it a small scratch behind the ear.
"Look at just how cute you are." Orihime smiled happily, the small fox-rooster enjoying the scratch.
"WHY HAVE YOU COME HERE!?" Orihime blinked at the bellowing voice echoing all around her, the fox-rooster dashing away into the trees. "I AM THE VENGEFUL GOD OF THIS ISLAND! LEAVE AT ONCE IF YOU VALUE YOU-... hey what... who are you!? Put me down!?" Orihime blinked in surprise as the bellowing voice turned lower and less overwhelming. Hearing the rustling where the fox-rooster had come from she saw Ichigo walking out, holding a bush? "Let me go you... you, you coward! Sneaking up on a man like that!" It wasn't a bush but a man shaped like a bush!?
"Yeah, says the so-called 'vengeful god' spying on a girl." Ichigo growled throwing the man to the ground, Orihime peering down at him curiously, taking in his full appearance. It was a man in a box, or more so from what Orihime could see, the box he was in was an old treasure chest and somehow he fit inside leaving only his head, hands, and feet free. He had a rather impressive beard and an even larger green afro, giving him his shrub-like appearance
"Hey! Don't make me out to be some kind of pervert!" The man shouted as he rounded on the orange-haired teen who glared down at him. "How am I, who's been alone for twenty years supposed to speak to a girl as beautiful as that!?" He defended himself as he pointed over at Orihime causing her to blush in embarrassment. However seeing Ichigo was just going to start his usual argument with him, Orihime decided to interject.
"Um, excuse me." Orihime piped up causing both Ichigo and the bush man to look over at her. "Hello, I'm Inoue Orihime and this is Kurosaki Ichigo." She greeted, bowing her head to the man.
"Oh, yes right, manners." The man nodded, bowing in return causing Ichigo to scowl in annoyance. Where had his manners been five minutes ago? "I'm Gaimon." He introduced himself.
"We're sorry to intrude on your island Mr. Gaimon, but we didn't have much choice." Orihime apologized as Gaimon eyed the two, Ichigo walking over to stand by her. He didn't know what to think about these two, he'd been awoken in the middle of the night due to a massive explosion that erupted in the sky, it had scared the animals across the island half to death, he didn't think things like that happened out of the Grand Line, he'd been stranded here for twenty years and had never experienced something like that. Then when he awakens in the morning, going about his usual routine while making sure that the animals were okay he comes across these two strangers. He hadn't seen any sign of a ship around the island, just how had they gotten here?
"Do you have anything to do with that big explosion in the night?" He questioned, eyeing them warily. Orihime shot a look to Ichigo whose scowl increased, which slightly unnerved Gaimon, despite his young age he would put the fear of death into most seasoned pirates with that look. But the answer to his question was obvious, they knew something about what had happened and as a result, the two had ended up here. "That answers that then." He sighed. "Guess you two somehow ended up stranded here?"
"Something like that." Ichigo nodded. "Any idea on where we are?" He asked.
"I call it, the Island of Rare Animals, a pretty on-the-nose name if I do say so myself." He stated with a bit of pride in himself, although Ichigo sighed in annoyance, that had given him nothing only that they were on an island to which he had already confirmed when he woke up having taken their surroundings from the sky, it seemed like they were on an island in the middle of an ocean. He hadn't been able to spot anything else nearby.
"Wait, there are more animals like the one I saw?" Orihime questioned, eyes brimming with curiosity.
"Indeed, this island is full of rare animals like Cocox." Gaimon smiled. "I saw how you interacted with him, most people that come here would try and poach such a creature, you have my gratitude for not doing so."
"He's so cute, who could ever do such a mean thing." Orihime pouted.
"Right!?" Gaimon agreed readily. "All I get here are poachers and pirates, it's nice to finally have some friendly company!" He grinned, although missing the excitement that passed through Orihime's eyes at the mention of pirates. "Come, I'll take you to my camp." Gaimon stated gesturing for them to follow. Orihime smiled at Ichigo before she followed after Gaimon, Ichigo sighed softly, before following the two into the jungle. Walking through, he kept his eyes on the strange animals that seemed to have taken a liking to Gaimon. They were weirder than some hollows he had come across. Mix breed hybrid species that shouldn't even be compatible, he didn't want to think about it. Just what kind of weird place had they ended up in?
Following Orihime and Gaimon into a clearing, there was a small makeshift camp area overlooking the ocean, Ichigo noted that there were several empty barrels and just from the smell alone he could tell that they once housed alcohol. Did this guy just drink his days away or what, and where did he even get the stuff? He hadn't seen anything on the island that might allude to that, it was deserted apart from the guy. Did he make it? Impressive in his condition.
"Come, have a seat eat, eat." Gaimon urged Orihime as he brought over some fruit Orihime sat herself down on a stone next to the empty firepit, Orihime took a few pieces of fruit and began to eat. Gaimon offered some to Ichigo but he rose his hand up, refusing. Instead, the teen took a glance around, several of the hybrid animals making themselves comfortable around the camp as Gaimon sat opposite Orihime. "So, just who are you guys?" He questioned.
"Pirates!" Orihime declared causing Ichigo to blink at her sudden declaration as he stared at her, where the hell was she going with that train of thought?
"Well, why didn't you say so!" Gaimon laughed. "I was also a pirate a long time ago!" He laughed.
"Really!?" Orihime questioned, her excitement only growing which made Ichigo smile, despite everything that had happened to them in the last 24hrs, she could still act like this. If she wanted to play pirate, who was he to stop her, not like she was hurting anyone. Worse off she could have said they were aliens... which in this regard, might be true.
"That's right, my crew sailed to this island years ago searching for the treasure said to be here." Gaimon explained. "Anyway, some stuff happened and my crew left me behind." He smiled softly. "Despite all that, I've made a life for myself over these last twenty years."
"Sounds pretty rough." Orihime smiled softly.
"Don't feel sorry for me, I'm not lonely at all!" Gaimon laughed. "I've got my friends here with me, these animals have kept me company all these years. This way of life is actually pretty nice once you get used to it." He added as a comfortable silence drifted between them, Gaimon glancing between the two teens. "So, is it just you two love birds in your crew?" He questioned causing Orihime's face to burst into a flaming red before she began to stutter out.
"Wha! No! I! It's not! Wah!" She cried frantically, trying to hide her face behind her hands as Gaimon laughed. Ichigo scowled as he rolled his eyes, what the hell was this old man thinking? Trying to relive the days of his youth or some crap?
"So what's with the box old man?" Ichigo questioned causing Gaimon to glance up at him, blinking owlishly as he stared up at the still standing teen, he definitely had the aura of a pirate about him, that was for sure and the mean look of one too. He'd be someone not to cross out on the ocean, he had those two strangely shaped swords, and he looked like he knew how to use them.
"Very well, I shall tell you a tale of heroic bravery, romance, and wonder the likes of which you've never heard before!" Gaimon declared.
"No thanks, not that interested." Ichigo huffed.
"Why you!" Gaimon roared, it was slightly comical to see the man yell and shout.
"Don't be mean, Ichigo." Orihime pouted up at him, her blush having receded somewhat, but there was still a dusting of pink on her cheeks. "I'd like to hear your story Mr. Gaimon." She smiled causing the box man to look at her with eyes wide, tears threatening to fall.
"You're an angel..." Orihime laughed awkwardly as Gaimon began. "It happened roughly twenty years ago when my crew and I sailed to this island..." Ichigo listened to his story, a classic pirate tale with no such presence of wonder or romance in his words. Pirates sail to an island seeking fabled treasure only to come up empty-handed, Gaimon in his oh so heroic retelling of events found several chests after climbing up the islands butte which Ichigo had seen when he had been searching in the air earlier. Apparently, Gaimon had found the treasure which was up at the top, but before he could claim it, he fell from the top and landed in an empty treasure box at the bottom.
His crew had left without him, leaving him stranded here alone with these animals for twenty years. Ichigo had to frown. If what Gaimon was saying was true, the guy had been trapped in that treasure box for twenty years. His body would have atrophied with the box, not to mention his bones after twenty years would be severely disfigured. The old guy probably wouldn't ever be able to survive without the box, there was no hope for its removal. He glanced over at Orihime, she seemed to be having the same thought. Even with Orihime's power of rejection, it might not be possible to heal him. He'd likely die the moment the treasure chest was removed.
"You never got to claim your treasure." Orihime frowned as Gaimon slowly nodded his head. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be." He smiled. "I may not have gotten the treasure, but I can't say I got nothing in return." He added as he looked around at all the animals. "I have a happy life, wouldn't trade it for all the treasure in the world, I even grew to like my little treasure chest."
"So the treasure is still up at the top?" Ichigo questioned, glancing over to the tall butte that towered tall over the jungle.
"Hands off! Don't be getting any funny ideas! I've waited twenty years for that treasure, it's mine!" Gaimon shouted at him.
"Shut it, geezer." Ichigo sighed. "I was going to offer to bring it all down for you, as a way to say thanks for the hospitality, despite your shitty attitude." Ichigo muttered causing Gaimon to pause, despite his appearance he seemed like he was a pretty good guy, maybe he'd misjudged the youngster.
"You think you can climb all the way to the top?" Gaimon questioned.
"We can do it!" Orihime beamed happily, determination clear on her face. "It's a treasure hunt, true pirates never back down from a treasure hunt!" She declared, getting to her feet.
"Then what are we waiting for!?" Gaimon laughed. "I've been waiting twenty years for this, finally the day has come!" He wiped tears from his eyes as Ichigo and Orihime smiled. Gaimon called a large cow-tortoise that was larger than a minivan, which gave them a ride across the island on its enormous shell, Gaimon truly had connected with all the animals on the island. Orihime and Gaimon chatted the entire trek to the butte, Orihime questioning him on his adventures as a pirate, Gaimon all too happy to share. Ichigo sat on the back of the tortoise shell with his back to them, listening to the two as he watched the small horde of hybrid animals following after them.
"So Mr. Gaimon." Orihime began. "Ichigo and I, we're just starting out as pirates. We're going to travel the whole world." Ichigo blinked as he glanced over at her, but the smile on her face was undeniable, they were going to be stuck here for who knows how long, and she was wanting to make a life here if possible. But he had to wonder, if they did go over the whole world they might find someone that could help them, it wasn't a bad idea. "What should we do first?" She questioned as Gaimon pursed his lips slightly as he glanced at her and then back at Ichigo, it seemed as though the young lass wanted to go out on an adventure and see the world. He could respect that. While Ichigo, Gaimon didn't quite know what to make of the other teen.
"First of all, you'll need a good sturdy ship." Gaimon nodded. "Then, you'll need more crew members. My crew had two hundred members before they left here. You need all kinds of talent on a pirate ship, a navigator, doctor, chef, and carpenter. But don't forget the entertainment! Musicians, dancers, a crew should be made up of all kinds of people, a ship is like your home and your crew a family." He added as Orihime nodded, taking mental notes on what Gaimon was saying. "You'll need to be strong too, a pirate should always expect a battle on the seas, be it with other pirates or the Marines."
"Don't worry about that, we're plenty strong!" She declared, placing her left hand on her right bicep as she raised a fist up. "Right Ichigo!?"
"Strong enough." Ichigo yawned out.
"Other than that, a love of treasure and adventure, you're all set." Gaimon grinned. "You'll learn as you go." He assured her.
"Thanks, Mr. Gaimon." Orihime smiled brightly at the man.
"Just one thing." Gaimon began. "Whatever you do, never, ever go to the Grand Line." Gaimon warned causing Orihime to blink. "That sea, it's just a graveyard, I once saw a group of pirates who managed to escape that horrible place and I'll never forget it. It was an awful sight to behold, they were just the hollow shells of the men that they used to be, there's no telling of the horrors that they witnessed in that horrible place. Not one among them had tried to speak, too afraid of what they had seen on those waters." Gaimon shook his head.
"It's only been twenty-odd years since Gold Roger died and the pursuit of the One Piece began, the era of the Great Pirate Age. But that man on the day of his execution sent countless pirates to their death in search of his treasure. There are only rumors which spawn more rumors, who knows what's true. No treasure, not even one as great as the One Piece is worth throwing away your life for. Remember that." He told her, before looking up to see her eyes having swirls in them as she tried to process all the new information.
"I think we got it, geezer." Ichigo muttered as the cow-tortoise came to a stop at the foot of the butte. All three disembarked the animal and stood looking up at the top of the butte. Ichigo glanced down at the man who was looking up at the top with a small frown on his face, he'd been waiting twenty years for this day Ichigo was expecting more excitement from him. Crouching down beside Gaimon, the old man looked at Ichigo.
"Don't." Gaimon shook his head. "Don't say it, I need to know regardless." Ichigo nodded softly as he saw Gaimon's resolve to see this through, he'd been waiting long enough for the truth, it was time he started to live for something else.
"Just give me a sec." Ichigo told him before Gaimon's jaw dropped as Ichigo disappeared from his side, as in a single bound he landed atop the butte. Blinking owlishly Gaimon turned to Orihime who was looking up at Ichigo with a small smile, this was normal for her!? Ichigo walked forward, there were six treasure chests at the top, just as Gaimon had told in his story. Walking over to the first chest, crouching down he opened the lid, it wasn't even locked, and inside was nothing. Completely bare bar a few cobwebs. The others were just the same as the first, all empty not a single ounce of treasure.
Hanging his head slightly he frowned, Gaimon had been waiting twenty years for this? Grabbing one of the chests, he hoisted it under his arm before approaching the ledge, Gaimon looking up at him with a determined look in his eye. Orihime curiously tilted her head as she saw Ichigo's expression. Ichigo stepped off the cliff, falling before he landed a few feet in front of the two with such ease.
"Sorry old man." Ichigo began as he set the chest down. Gaimon hobbled toward the chest, reaching out with nervous hands. Orihime frowned as she glanced at Ichigo, the teen shaking his head. Gaimon reached the chest, slowly opening it to reveal that it was empty inside. "All of them were like that." Ichigo admitted.
"I'm so sorry Mr. Gaimon." Orihime frowned.
"No, it's not your kid's fault." Gaimon sniffed as he closed the chest, tears welling up in his eyes. "There was always that chance that they'd be empty." He continued, wiping at his eyes but the tears still began to fall. "I tried not to think about it, but still the doubt was there!" He cried, Orihime crouching down beside him, patting his hair gently. "It happens all the time with treasures that have maps leading to them, someone just got here first." He sniffed as he turned his attention to Orihime. "That's the kind of risk you have to take as a treasure hunting pirate." Orihime nodded softly, despite it all he was still parting on his knowledge.
"You're a resilient old man." Ichigo began causing Gaimon to look up at the teen with his tear-stricken face. "Sticking it out for twenty years." He smiled down at him. "That's a pirate if I ever saw one." Gaimon's eyes only welled up with more tears at the acknowledgment as he cried and laughed at the same time, tears streaming down his face as Orihime smiled up at Ichigo, she always knew him to have a good heart. "It's probably better that you know now rather than die and never find out the truth, don't want to die and have lingering regrets."
"You're a good guy Ichigo!" Gaimon laughed, wiping the last of that ears from his eyes as he grinned at the teen. "Despite your shitty attitude!"
"Bite me." Ichigo scoffed, his earlier comment thrown back at him. Gaimon suggested they make their way back to his camp, the three once more boarding the cow-tortoise making their way through the jungle. Gaimon once more began to explain to Orihime tips on how to be a pirate and even if they faced a situation as he had with the treasure, not to be discouraged, to enjoy the adventure. When they returned back to Gaimon's camp and disembarked the tortoise, Orihime watched as the small man hobbled head of both her and Ichigo.
"How about joining our crew?" Orihime questioned with a tilted her head as Gaimon stopped in his tracks turning back to her with wide eyes as Ichigo himself cast a glance at her offer, not having been expecting it. "You're full of knowledge that Ichigo and I don't have, you'd be perfect and you'd get to set sail again, well once we get our boat of course." She added, tapping her chin. Once more tears welled up again in the old man's eyes as Orihime smiled at him, the offer being as genuine as it could be.
"No." Gaimon smiled softly, wiping the unshed tears away. "Your friendship is more than enough for this old man, I haven't truly made a friend in so long that it's more of a treasure than what I imagined in those chests all these years." He told her. "You've plenty to learn, but you can't have an old man like me weighing you down." He shook his head. "Your adventure is just beginning, treasure every moment of it." Orihime nodded her head.
"You sure old man?" Ichigo questioned. "Might be the only way to get off this island." He stated but Gaimon only shook his head.
"No, this island has become my home and while I've dreamed to set sail again, there is something far more valuable here that I must protect." He explained, Orihime nodding as she looked over at the gathered animals that had been following along with them. "For the past twenty years, these guys have stood by my side through thick and thin. I can't leave them!" He laughed. "I don't know what brought you here to my little island, but I must thank you both." He added.
"It was our pleasure Mr. Gaimon." Orihime smiled as Ichigo glanced away, a scowl crossing his face. "Look after all the animals, and maybe one day a cute barrel girl might come ashore." She giggled as Gaimon blushed.
"You really think so?" Orihime nodded. "Oh, wouldn't that just be grand!" He laughed as he rubbed the back of his head, seemingly embarrassed. "But what about you two?" He questioned. "You said you don't have a ship, right? What do you plan to do?" Orihime placed her hands on her hips, thrusting her chest out with a wide grin on her face causing Ichigo to mentally groan.
"We're not swimming across the ocean Orihime." Ichigo told her causing the girl to deflate somewhat as she pouted across at Ichigo.
"That's not what I was going to say." Orihime huffed cutely as Ichigo raised an amused eyebrow. "Well, only until we get a boat." She smiled as Ichigo shook his head. "I guess we could use my Shun Shun Rikka." She continued, raising one hand to where one of her blue-flowered hairpins was nestled, simply tapping it once as they began to shine in a golden light surprising Gaimon as he watched on before three beams shot forth forming a large triangular golden surface appeared hovering over the ground.
"That could work." Ichigo nodded as Orihime once more placed her hands on her hips, giving herself a nod of approval. "How long do you think you can sustain it for?"
"Hmm, a while." Orihime mused. "Hopefully we'd be able to find another island or something soon, otherwise we might be swimming." She giggled.
"I'll take care of that if you run out of steam." Ichigo assured as he glanced down at Gaimon, the old man was still surprised at the glowing shield Orihime had summoned, carefully reaching out to touch it, his eyes wide as he could actually grip the solid form he'd never seen anything like it before.
"What is this?" He questioned.
"Orihime has unique powers." Ichigo shrugged his question off as Orihime climbed aboard her shield, taking a seat as she smiled, patting the shield just to make sure it was secure. "I guess this is goodbye old man, look after yourself."
"You two, and I hope you find a lifetime of adventure filled with treasure!" Gaimon grinned as he looked up at the teen with a sincere look. "Truly, thank you." Ichigo nodded as he too climbed aboard the Santen Kesshun shield, placing his two Zanpakutō between himself and Orihime. "I'm sorry that I have nothing to aide you, I haven't seen a map or a sea chart in twenty years."
"That's fine Mr. Gaimon." Orihime smiled happily. "It wouldn't be an adventure if we knew where we were going."
"True!" Gaimon laughed. "Look after one another and head to the northwest, you should find some islands that way if I remember correctly." Orihime waved happily and Gaimon stepped back as the triangular shield began to float forward, only for it to shoot off causing Gaimon to blink in shock as they were just a small smudge on the horizon now. "What strange kids."
"I'm sorry." Orihime spoke softly, her hair flapping about behind her wildly as her shield shot across the ocean's surface they were going slower than when they had left the island but their speed was still constant. "I just... I didn't mean anything by it. I got a little excited when I heard about the pirates. I thought it might be fun." She admitted lowering her head slightly, feeling the light spray showering them gently from the waves as they crossed over the water. Feeling a weight land atop her head she looked up to see Ichigo having placed his hand there, as he offered her a small smile.
"Don't be." He told her. "Honestly, it wasn't a half bad idea." He admitted surprising her as he moved his hand from atop her head. "It will give us a chance to search for any answers and give us a chance to see this world, what better way to see where we are than venturing across it?" He asked as her smile began to grow. "Sure you want to be a pirate though?" He questioned as her eyes lit up, he didn't even need to ask. It's not like they were truly going to turn criminal here.
"Yes!" She declared with a grin. "Mr. Gaimon sounded like he had so much fun as a pirate." She added, recalling the man's stories. Orihime really seemed to like the idea of being a pirate. Though he shouldn't be surprised by that. At least she was happy, letting Orihime have some fun wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
"I guess we better find ourselves a ship then." Ichigo mused.
"And a crew!" She beamed. "Oh, I wonder what kind of people we'll meet..." She began before her eyes widened as she turned to Ichigo who raised an eyebrow at her. "I just realized something." She began, eyes wide and filled with excitement. "We're aliens." Ichigo chuckled lightly to himself, she had finally picked up on that.
"Yeah, I guess we are." He nodded as Orihime grinned widely. Ichigo didn't know how long it would take them, or if it was possible at all. But with this new start for the both of them, all they could do was try. It was hard to accept the fact that there might never be a way for them to return and it was good that they could focus on other things instead of being overwhelmed by despair as Yhwach had told him to do. He couldn't do that, not when he had Orihime relying on him. Without her here with him, he didn't know how he would have handled the situation.
"Abandon your fear. Look forward. Move forward and never stop. You'll age if you pull back. You'll die if you hesitate." The old man's words echoed in his head, he moved his hand to place it down on the small Zanpakuto resting on his larger one. Once more he felt that the spirit was guiding him, he needed those words now more than ever, if he fell into despair here and now, how was he ever supposed to live and move on?
Ichigo didn't know what this world had to offer them, but with the short meeting with Gaimon, one thing was clear. People here could see him as a Shinigami. Weird thing was, he didn't sense the slightest trace of spirit energy from the old man, certainly not enough to warrant him being able to see a spirit. Maybe it's just this world that was weird, or somehow he was just visible. Not like it was something he had to figure out. He'd just accept it and not worry too much about it unless it became an issue, which he couldn't see it being.
Ichigo lay back on the Santen Kesshun shield, arms folded behind his head as he looked up at the sky passing overhead. He hadn't gotten much sleep, if any at all and since he had nothing to do now, he closed his eyes.
Orihime blinked curiously as she glanced to her side to see Ichigo with his eyes closed, breathing evenly. She smiled softly, before blushing, last time she had seen him sleep had been right before she had been taken to Hueco Mundo by Ulquiorra. It had been so long ago and she still hadn't worked up the nerve to truly confess her feelings to him like she had when he had been unconscious that night. A lot had happened since then, it almost felt like it was a lifetime ago. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she rested her cheek atop them simply watching him quietly for a time.
She couldn't imagine what Ichigo was going through right now, she herself didn't have anyone but Tatsuki and her friends, but Ichigo had his family. Who knows what Yhwach had done since they'd be gone, had Soul Society won against him and the invading Quincy army? Were they still fighting even now? There were so many questions and no hope for an answer. They would be left in the dark. All they could do was hope that their side had come out victorious. The pirate thing had mostly been a distraction, hearing that there were pirates only got her mind whirling and the thought of being one with Ichigo sounded like so much fun.
She couldn't believe he had actually agreed to be a pirate with her, but he had and now they were on their way. Wherever it was that they were heading. They had so much to learn about this world, how to sail a ship and find a crew they could trust. Her lips pursed slightly as she shifted her cheek so that her chin was resting on her knees instead as she stared forward. What if there were girls on the crew? They'd definitely fall for Ichigo. How could they not? Her eyes widened as a thought crossed her mind.
"What if we come across some damsel in distress out here on the sea and she happens to be a little forward with her feelings!?" Orihime's face flushed at the thought as she shook her head before her face paled. "Or some seductive piratess out there with no sense of shame throws herself at him!?" Clapping her hands to her cheeks she stared onward before once more pursing her lips in thought. "I can honestly see Ichigo surrounded by women." She smiled softly. "He'd love us all the same." She nodded, not finding her train of thought strange in the slightest, knowing Ichigo would.
Of course, she had been jealous of Rukia and Ichigo's relationship, but that was only because she didn't have the courage that Rukia had, to bring Ichigo from his state of mind back then when she had wanted so much to be his strength. She liked to think that she had matured a lot since the war with Aizen, if she was who she was now back then, she believed she could have done something when he had needed her. But that was all in the past now, they had to keep pushing forward.
"I wonder how Ichigo would go about being surrounded by women? Embarrassed I bet." She giggled as she once more turned to watch him as he slept, completely oblivious to her thoughts. She let a hand drift over, she brushed away some of his fringe from his face. "As long as he has some love for me, I don't care." But first things first, she had to gather the courage and confess. All she had to do was work up the courage. It was easier said than done.